Estes Park Oratorio Society to perform romantic French program for Christmas

By Doug Fox Special to the Trail-Gazette

Posted:
11/19/2012 04:06:48 PM MST

The Oratorio Society will perform two holiday concerts.

Begin your Christmas season with a splash of French music celebrating the season. The Childhood of Christ, Parts II and III, by Hector Berlioz, Cantique de Jean Racine, by Gabriel Fauré, plus two French carol arrangements, by Jackson Berkey, scheduled to be performed Friday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m. at the Estes Park High School Auditorium, by the Estes Park Oratorio Society's orchestra and chorus.

According to Wikipedia, L'enfance du Christ (The Childhood of Christ) is based on the Holy Family's flight into Egypt as found in Matthew 2:13. Berlioz wrote his own words for the piece. Most of it was composed in 1853 and 1854. The Oratorio Society is performing parts II and III of what Berlioz described as a sacred trilogy. Part II was composed first. It was such a hit, that Berlioz was encouraged to enlarge it. Part III came next, followed by Part I. The world-renowned Berlioz expert Hugh Macdonald at Washington University in St. Louis suggested that we cut Part I for purposes of time. In Part II, the Holy Family takes leave of the shepherds and sets out for Egypt to avoid King Herod's edict that all first-born boys be killed. Part III portrays the family's arrival in the Egyptian town of Sais, where the threesome is given refuge by a family of Ishmaelites.

Music director Kathy Bowers says it's a work that Berlioz composed later in life. "The music helps people imagine a wintery, Christmas scene," explained Bowers.

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"The overall tone is pastoral, although there is occasional agitation, such as when Joseph, Mary and the baby seek to find someone who will provide lodging. There are some less than friendly men who say, 'The Roman and Egyptian citizens despise Hebrews like you. Go away.' But one kind Ishmaelite father opens his home to the Holy Family and says 'Come in. My family will feed you; we'll wash your sore feet and take care of you.' Some listeners may recognize a choral movement near the beginning called 'The Shepherd's Farewell.' A lot of church choirs excerpt this lovely piece for an anthem at Christmas time." Soloists for the Berlioz are Scott Anderson as the Narrator, Melissa Westover as Mary, Bob Gunn as Joseph and Jim Docter as the Father of the family. Don't worry. It will be sung in English.

Gabriel Fauréwasjust 19years old when he wrote the Cantique de Jean Racine 1864-65. Not surprisingly, the piece won first prize at a competition. "It's a stunningly beautiful gem that many people have heard," said Bowers, "but they may not associate the music with the title."

Jackson is an American composer, pianist and singer, best known for his work with Mannheim Steamroller, which he co-founded with Chip Davis in 1974. Their U.S. holiday tour is a highlight for many. One of the carols we will perform is set in the style of a Bolero! Berkey is never short on imaginative ideas for his choral arrangements. He is fond of interesting rhythmic shifts and friendly dissonance.

Of special note is the addition of harpist Hillary Schefter for the harp and two flutes trio, which functions as an entertainment for the Holy Family in Part III of the Berlioz. She will also be featured in the Jackson Berkey arrangement of Il est né. Schefter is a Colorado native who teaches at the University of Wyoming. During the summer, she frequently plays at musicfestivals, such as the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Colorado Music Festival and Boulder's Mahlerfest. She has recently performed with orchestras such as the Minnesota Orchestra, Syracuse Symphony and New World Symphony, as well as the National Repertory Orchestra, Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and Evergreen Chamber Orchestra. Schefter describes herself as a "graduate" of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver. She returns there every week to volunteer her time playing harp for the babies, parents, nurses and doctors. Schefter also volunteers in the NICU at Rose Medical Center.

The Oratorio Society's performance is a gift to the town of Estes Park. Of course, we welcome gifts in return. A free-will offering will be collected, and all donations are deeply appreciated.

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